Interchangeable, flexible, and reversible hat including a storage compartment

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable hat is disclosed, including a hemispherical crown having a bottom edge defining a perimeter. A brim at least partially extends around the bottom edge, wherein the brim and the crown each including a first side and a second side. An elastic member is positioned about the perimeter to accommodate various head sizes. A storage compartment permits the storage of one or more items therein. The hemispherical crown is sufficiently flexible to allow the first side or the second side to be arranged on an exterior of the interchangeable hat.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to headwear and more specifically relate to interchangeable, flexible, and reversible hats having an integrated storage compartment.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals find it desirable to own and wear a hat for fashion as well as for shading the head and eyes from the sun and weather. Baseball-type hats and other brimmed caps are popular in today's society and include a crown portion, a visor (or brim), and may include an adjustable strap. Alternatively, the hats may be constructed of an elastic material to accommodate various head sizes or fitted such that the wearer purchases the correct hat for their head size.

While hats in the current arts include various shapes, sizes, configurations, decorations, adjustment mechanisms, and other ornamental components, the appearance of the hat cannot be changed and thus requires the consumer to purchase multiple hats each having a unique appearance. Further, traditional brimmed hats have a top side which side which includes one or more colors, logos, or decorations and is seen while the user is wearing a hat, while the bottom side is undecorated and is not visible. Some hats in the current arts have been constructed to be reversible via detachable components which must be disengaged before reversing the hat. This can be confusing and lead to broken or damaged components rendering the hat useless.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to an interchangeable hat, including a hemispherical crown having a bottom edge defining a perimeter. A brim at least partially extends around the bottom edge, wherein the brim and the crown each including a first side and a second side. An elastic member is positioned about the perimeter to accommodate various head sizes. A storage compartment permits the storage of one or more items therein. The hemispherical crown is sufficiently flexible to allow the first side or the second side to be arranged on an exterior of the interchangeable hat.

The interchangeable hat allows a user to select the appearance of the hat by positioning the first or second side on the exterior of the hat. This reduces the number of hats the user may purchase to achieve various appearances they wish to have.

The crown portion at least partially covers the head and a visor at least partially extending around the perimeter of the hat. The brim protects the user from overexposure to the sun or from precipitation. Otherwise, the brim may be provided as a fashionable component of the interchangeable hat.

In one aspect, the storage compartment may receive a wallet, money, keys, or other personal items. The storage component may be used while the user is wearing the interchangeable hat, or while the reversible hat is not being worn.

In one aspect, the hemispherical crown is constructed of at least 4 panels stitched to one another. The stitching may be triple-stitching. In another aspect, the of the crown and/or the brim is asymmetrical.

In one aspect, the storage compartment is selectively opened and closed by at least one of the following: a zipper, a hook-and-loop system, or one or more buttons.

In one aspect, the brim includes a stabilizer to prevent the malformation of the brim.

In one aspect, the hemispherical crown includes a liner positioned between the first side and the second side.

In one aspect, the brim includes a slot positioned at the middle portion of the brim, wherein the slot permits the user to carry the hat as they would a handbag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of the first side of the reversible hat, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the reversible hat, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second side of the reversible hat including a storage compartment to store one or more object therein, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the reversible hat, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments described herein relate to an interchangeable, flexible, and reversible hat (hereinafter referred to as “hat” or “the hat”) having a first side and a second side which may have differing patterns to allow the user to select a side to wear during use. The hat is comprised of a crown portion which at least partially covers the head and a visor at least partially extending around the perimeter of the hat. The hat may include a storage compartment which is selectively opened and closed. The storage compartment is dimensioned to receive personal items commonly stored in a pocket, handbag or other small compartment. For example, the storage compartment may receive a mobile phone, wallet, money, keys, or other item.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of the hat 100 wherein the first side 101 is arranged on the exterior 103 of the reversible hat 100. The reversible hat 100 is comprised of a brim 105 (i.e., visor) and a crown 107. The brim 105 at least partially extends around a perimeter 109 of the bottom edge 111 of the reversible hat 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the brim 105 includes a first end 113 and a second end 115 which partially extend about the perimeter 109 of the reversible hat 100, while FIG. 3 illustrates a brim 105 which extends around the entire perimeter 109 of the reversible hat 100. The brim 105 and the crown 107 each include a first side 101 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and a second side 117 (as shown in FIG. 3 ).

In some embodiments, the first side 101 is constructed of a first material having at least one pattern (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and the second side 117 is constructed of a second material having at least one pattern which differs from the pattern of the first side 101. In such, the appearance of the reversible hat 100 may be readily changed by flipping the crown 107 inside-out and vis-versa.

In some embodiments, the reversible hat 100 is constructed of a sufficiently resilient material such as to prevent tearing, excessive stretching, or damage. The material may be washable to permit the user to hand and/or machine wash the reversible hat 100 repeatedly as needed if the reversible hat 100 becomes soiled.

In reference to FIGS. 1-4 , the reversible hat 100 may be constructed having various stitching 119 patterns and configurations. For example, the reversible hat may include 3 or more stitches positioned to connect 3 or more pieces of the crown 107 and/or brim 105 of the reversible hat. In some embodiments, the stitching 119 may be asymmetrical.

In some embodiments, and in reference to FIG. 1 , the crown 107 is constructed of 4 panels (121, 123, 125, 127) wherein the stitching 119 comprises at least 3 stitches.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the reversible hat 100, wherein the bottom edge 11 l includes an elastic member 201 which at least partially extending around the perimeter 109 of the reversible hat 100. The elastic member may be disposed between the first side 101 and second side 117 of the crown 107 or may be sewn into the material of the first and second sides 101,117. The elastic member 201 allows for the circumference of the reversible hat 100 to increase or decrease to accommodate users having various head sizes. In such, the reversible hat 100 may be manufactured as a one size fits all hat or in various sizes (e.g., small, medium, and large). Alternatively, in some embodiments the hat may be constructed without the elastic member 201 and be provided in various fitted sizes. In another embodiments, the reversible hat 100 includes an adjustable strap to allow the user to select a circumference that fits properly around their head.

In further reference to FIG. 2 , the brim 105 is illustrated in a raised configuration wherein the brim 105 and crown 107 form an acute angle. FIG. 4 illustrates the brim 105 in a lowered configuration wherein the brim 105 and crown 107 form a right or obtuse angle. The connection between the brim 105 and crown 107 is sufficiently flexible to allow the user to adjust the position of the brim 105 as desired. This allows the user to further customize the style and appearance of the reversible hat 100.

In some embodiments, the brim 105 is flexible to allow for interchangeable designs and styles. In such, the brim 105 can be bent at least partially upwards (as shown in FIG. 2 ) or at least partially downwards (as shown in FIG. 4 ). This allows the user to customize their appearance and creates a hat 100 which can provide many styles in a single apparel item. The material of the brim 105 allows for flexibility while allowing the brim 105 to retain the user-selected shape, configuration, and orientation throughout normal wear.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second side 117 of the reversible hat 100 including a storage compartment 300 to store one or more items 301 therein. The storage compartment is formed between the first side and the second side 117 of the crown 107 to create an interior cavity 303 therebetween. The storage compartment 300 may be selectively opened or closed by a zipper 305 or other means of releasably attaching textiles (e.g., a hook-and-loop system, buttons, etc.). The zipper 305 may be positioned at the top 307 of the crown 107 and may be accessible from the first side 101 or second side 117 of the hat 100.

In some embodiments, the zipper 305 may be positioned at the top, front, rear, and/or the sides of the hat 100.

In some embodiments, the zipper 305 being positioned at the top of the hat allows the storage compartment to be concealed if the hat 100 is reversed to be positioned inside-out. This allows the user to conceal the zipper 305 as it would be positioned inside the hat 100 (facing the user's head) rather than on the top of hat 100. When the zipper 305 is positioned on the front of the hat 100 (i.e., near the user's forehead and above the brim) and the hat 100 is reversed, the zipper 305 rests on top of the fabric rather than on the user's forehead cushioning to safeguard the skin. The brim may then fold on top of the zipper 305 to provide protection from the sun and rain.

In some embodiments, the item 301 may include a wallet, money, jewelry, credit card(s), ID card, or other personal item which can be easily carried while wearing the hat 100 or stored within the hat 100 while it is not being worn.

FIG. 4 illustrates a user 400 wearing the hat 100 such that the hat 100 is positioned to at least partially cover the head 401 of the user 400. The brim 105 may provide sufficient shade to the eyes 403 and/or face 405 of the user 400 such as to prevent overexposure to the sun or to provide shelter when raining.

In some embodiments, the brim 107 is constructed of a sufficiently rigid material to prevent unwanted bending or malformation of the brim 105 during repeated use. The brim 105 may be provided with a stabilizer positioned between the first side 101 and second side 117 of the hat 100. The stabilizer maintains the form of the brim 105 during repeated use and may be resilient to moisture, bending, or other factors which may damage or malform the brim 105.

In some embodiments, the stabilizer is constructed of a material that is suitably firm to hold a style which the user forms the brim 105, while being malleable enough to be re-styled and re-positioned repeatedly as desired by the user. In such, the user may bend, raise, lower, or otherwise form the brim 105 as desired without over-wearing the brim 105 and stabilizer therein.

In some embodiments, the hat 100 may include a liner positioned between the first side 101 and the second side 117. The liner may be waterproof or water resistant to ensure moisture (rain or perspiration) does not seep through the crown 107 or brim 105.

In some embodiments, the first and second sides 101,117 of the crown 107 may be adhered to the liner to form an attachment therebetween. Similarly, the first side 101 and second side 117 may be adhered together. The first and second sides 101,117 brim 105 may also be adhered to the stabilizer. The adhesive may prevent the material from bubbling or otherwise becoming mispositioned. In such, the adhesive aids in maintaining the intended appearance of the hat 100.

During use, the user 400 selects a which side (the first side 101 or second side 117) which they would like to wear on the exterior of the hat 100 and is therefore visible to others. To change the configuration of the hat 100, the user pushes on the top 307 of the crown 107 to reverse the hat.

In one aspect, the brim includes a slot positioned at the middle portion of the brim. The slot permits the user to carry the hat as they would a handbag.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An interchangeable hat, comprising: a hemispherical crown having a bottom edge defining a perimeter; a brim at least partially extending around the bottom edge, the brim and the crown each including a first side and a second side, wherein the hemispherical crown is sufficiently flexible to allow the first side or the second side to be arranged on an exterior of a reversible hat.
 2. The interchangeable hat of claim 1, wherein the hemispherical crown is constructed of 3 or more panels.
 3. The interchangeable hat of claim 2, wherein the hemispherical crown is constructed of 4 panels.
 4. The interchangeable hat of claim 2, wherein each of the 3 or more panels are stitched together to form the hemispherical crown.
 5. The interchangeable hat of claim 4, wherein the stitching is asymmetrical.
 6. The interchangeable hat of claim 1, wherein the brim extends around the entire perimeter of the crown.
 7. The interchangeable hat of claim 1, wherein the first side is constructed of a first material having a first pattern.
 8. The interchangeable hat of claim 7, wherein the second side is constructed of a second material having a second pattern.
 9. The interchangeable hat of claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment to permit the storage of items therein.
 10. The interchangeable hat of claim 9, wherein the storage compartment is selectively opened and closed by a zipper.
 11. The interchangeable hat of claim 1, wherein the crown includes an elastic member positioned at least partially about the perimeter.
 12. An interchangeable hat, comprising: a hemispherical crown having a bottom edge defining a perimeter; a brim at least partially extending around the bottom edge, the brim and the crown each including a first side and a second side; an elastic member positioned about the perimeter to accommodate various head sizes; and a storage compartment to permit the storage of one or more items therein, wherein the hemispherical crown is sufficiently flexible to allow the first side or the second side to be arranged on an exterior of an interchangeable hat.
 13. The interchangeable hat of claim 12, wherein the hemispherical crown is constructed of at least 4 panels.
 14. The interchangeable hat of claim 13, wherein each of the panels are triple-stitched together to form the hemispherical crown.
 15. The interchangeable hat of claim 14, wherein the brim comprises asymmetrical stitching.
 16. The interchangeable hat of claim 15, wherein the first side is constructed of a first material having a first pattern and wherein the second side is constructed of a second material having a second pattern.
 17. The interchangeable hat of claim 16, wherein the storage compartment is selectively opened and closed by at least one of the following: a zipper, a hook-and-loop system, or one or more buttons.
 18. The interchangeable hat of claim 17, wherein the brim includes a stabilizer to prevent the malformation of the brim.
 19. The interchangeable hat of claim 18, wherein the hemispherical crown includes a liner positioned between the first side and the second side.
 20. An interchangeable hat, comprising: a hemispherical crown having a bottom edge defining a perimeter, the perimeter including an elastic member to permit the accommodation of various head sizes; a brim at least partially extending around the bottom edge, the brim and the crown each including a first side and a second side each having differing patterns to permit a user to select the appearance from an exterior side of the reversible hat; and a storage compartment to permit the storage of one or more items therein, the storage compartment being selectively opened and closed by a zipper, wherein the hemispherical crown is sufficiently flexible to allow the first side or the second side to be arranged on the exterior by pushing on a top of the hemispherical crown. 